Speeches

During my meeting with the Chancellor, we agreed that Germany will continue to support Ukraine as needed, regardless of what happens in global politics or how sentiments may shift.

Security and genuine peace for all on the continent remains a top priority. In today’s talks, we focused on these priorities – joint opportunities to bolster our air defense and implement all existing agreements on defense support. We also discussed in detail how we can achieve greater progress in Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations next year.

This is something that will significantly support our guys at the front. We also see the willingness of the Nordic and Baltic states to increase investments in our defense industry, particularly in the production of our domestic drones. I am grateful for this!

Together with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, we decided that it was time to replace the Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed as the new Commander. Colonel Oleh Apostol – who previously commanded the 95th Air Assault Brigade. Colonel Pavlo Palisa, a combat commander and Commander of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Brigade, has been appointed Deputy Head of the Office.

Right now, there may be even more attempts by Russia to spread fear and despair in Ukraine. We all need resilience to get through this. And we need unity with all our partners.

And it is crucial that the decisions made at the NATO Summit in Washington on air defense and other supplies to the frontline have not yet been fully implemented; we are looking forward to it, and this, of course, has a significant impact on our people's motivation and morale.

And the only effective way to protect ourselves from this is to eliminate Russian weapons and Russian launchers directly on Russian territory. That is why the ability to strike Russian territory is so important to us. This is the only factor that can limit Russian terror and Russia's capacity to wage war in general.

Today, I held several meetings on international activities for the rest of the year. This includes communication with partners, our meetings, and our narratives. Things that must strengthen Ukraine. Europe, America, the Global South, other parts of the world.

Putin cannot be given a single week to adapt or find countermeasures. We must consistently do everything to force Russia into seeking peace – true peace.

Ukraine is one of the world's largest contributors to food security. And we maintain this status despite everything. Despite this colonial challenge from the Russian Federation. This war is a war against the lives of Ukrainians, against our people, our families.